Man arrested with loaded handgun at Erie airport

(WJET/WFXP) – An Edinboro man allegedly attempted to smuggle a loaded handgun through security at the Erie International Airport Monday morning.

The .38 caliber handgun was loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) found the gun in the traveler’s backpack.

Police responded to the security checkpoint and confiscated the firearm. The man now faces a maximum fine of $15,000.

“It is disappointing to see travelers bring their firearms to our checkpoints instead of properly packing them for a flight,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA federal security director for the airport. “If you want to travel with your firearm, all we ask is that you pack it properly for a flight. To start, you have to unload it. Pack the unloaded gun in a locked hard case. Take the suitcase to the airline check-in counter and declare that you wish to travel with it. The airline will ensure that it is transported to your destination in the belly of the plane so that no one has access to it during the flight. It’s that simple.”

According to the TSA, carrying firearms is not permitted into or through the security checkpoint. Passengers can travel with firearms only in checked baggage. Firearms must be unloaded and then packed in a locked hard case. The locked box must be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared.

More information about traveling with a firearm is available online here.